Dr. Douglas Messina, MD
Dr. Douglas Messina is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wilmington, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Messina has performed 60 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#52 in North Carolina) and 14 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 74 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Messina performs above average in knee (60 vs 44 avg), below average in shoulder (14 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Messina's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 81% of reported Medicare volume.
Wilmington is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wilmington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Messina extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 51 to 74 in the most recent data, a 45% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Messina's 60 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Messina Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Wilmington, NC 28403
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Messina's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 45% from 51 procedures in 2013 to 74 in the most recent data.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Messina
How does Dr. Messina's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Messina has performed 74 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Messina ranks #84 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Messina perform?
Dr. Messina's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (60 cases) and shoulder replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Messina in Wilmington?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Messina represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Messina's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 74 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Messina's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Messina's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 51 procedures in 2013 to 74 in the most recent data, a 45% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 74 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Messina perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Messina's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (60 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Messina affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Messina is affiliated with Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital, Pender Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Messina compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington, Dr. Messina ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Wilmington has 284 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Messina practices?
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average); J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Wilmington, North Carolina
Dr. Messina's 74 Medicare procedures are below the Wilmington average of 160. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wilmington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Shawn Hocker | 284 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jack Bowling | 231 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy Hines | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Hannum | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Jarrett | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dustin Hoffman | 118 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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